what is it that my pullet has

[jonbanks]

she has a big lump on her throat and its about as big as her body. the feathers are gone off the lump. she is only like 5 or 6 weeks i bought her at feed store. i have some hens that are like 12 weeks old do you think they pecked her and it swoll up i try to keep separated.

 

[jonbanks]

so i hope to find out what the lump is

 

[SpottedCrow]

Is the lump down near the body on the right side? If so, it's her crop, where they store their food.

 

[jonbanks]

do you know what i can do or is she gonna suffer

 

[SpottedCrow]

Is there a way to get a picture and post it?
Usually if they're being pecked they don't swell up because they're all bloody instead.

 

[jonbanks]

oh sorry im at work at the firehouse so i cant post pics

 

[FloridaChickenChick]

I agree with Spotted Crow...based on this limited information, it's probably just her crop. It definitely doesn't sound like pecking to me.

How long have you had this chicken and how long have you had your 12 week olds? Is she the first young bird you've had? Sometimes their crops get really big and it can be scary if you haven't seen it before! Take a look at your "big girls" after they eat and I'll bet you'll notice the lump on the right side of their chests.

I'm raising my first chickens this year so it's not like I'm an expert, although I did stay in a Holiday Inn Express one night a few years ago.

 

[MissPrissy]

It is her crop, stop feeding her for 12 hours. Only give her water. The 'lump' should shrink.

Start feeding her again. It should fill up.

It is normal and completely natural.

The crop is a like giant pocket where they gobble down food in a hurry and it is stored to be processed through the body later. It is part of their fright or flight defenses where they can run out to eat and come back and hide under cover if needed.

 

[jonbanks]

i just got these 5 week olds the about 4 days ago but i have had the 12 week olds for about 6 weeks and they grew with no problems. one of my hens is a little mean but toher than that they are great. i got a jersey giant thats 5 weeks and she gets picked on but the rir s dont know that she is gonna be twice their size, lol

 

[FloridaChickenChick]

Jonbanks, just wanted to check in and find out how your girl is doing today. Was it her crop? How are YOU doing today? I know you were worried!